The decision to live and work in another country is a major challenge that involves many factors. One of the key questions to ask yourself is: “Is the place in question a good country to live and work in?”. This is undoubtedly a very general question that needs to be dissected. But how does this situation look in the case of Poland? Certainly better than just a few years ago. For, according to the global World Happiness Report 2023, Poland has made it into the fourth ten and is now ranked 39th. This gives us a rise of as many as nine positions in relation to the previous year. We ranked higher than such European countries as Croatia, Portugal or Greece, which at first glance seem to be more attractive. So what makes Poland worth living and working in?
Table of Contents
Political and economic stability
Poland regained its independence in 1989 and since then has seen considerable progress in terms of both political and economic stability. Political stability is ultimately crucial to maintaining a safe and peaceful environment for citizens and employees. Economic growth, foreign investment and the development of industrial sectors are in turn opening up new opportunities for employment and professional development.
Low cost of living
One of Poland’s greatest assets is the relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries. Both housing and food or services are often cheaper, which allows for favourable household budget management. Although the cost of living has gone up considerably in recent months, prices are still very attractive for both citizens and immigrants looking for a favourable living and working environment.
Access to education
Poland has a highly developed education system, offering access to high-quality schools, universities and research institutions. Polish universities have a good reputation and many foreign students choose Poland as the place for their further training. The availability of quality education can also be an important factor for families with children and those seeking intellectual development.
Infrastructure and transport
In recent years, Poland has invested significantly in infrastructure development, including a network of roads, railways, airports and other transport services. An excellently developed transport network makes it much easier to travel within the country and abroad, which is particularly important for those working in an international business environment.
Rich cultural and natural heritage
Poland also has a rich cultural heritage, which attracts both tourists and locals. Historic cities such as Kraków, Warsaw and Gdańsk offer beautiful architectural and historical attractions. In addition, Poland’s national parks, mountains, lakes and the Baltic coast provide numerous opportunities for active outdoor pursuits.
What challenges do we face?
Despite the many positive aspects we mentioned above, Poland also has its challenges that need to be taken into account when assessing the quality of life and work in the country. Among the main ones we must necessarily include:
Low wages in some sectors
Although the cost of living is relatively low, Polish wages in some sectors are also significantly lower, especially when compared to more developed European countries. It is therefore worth taking this into account when deciding to work in Poland, especially if you expect a high level of remuneration.
Polish language as a communication barrier
The Polish language can be quite a challenge for people who are not fluent in it. Although many people in Poland speak English, knowledge of Polish can be essential in many situations, especially in smaller towns or provinces.
Bureaucracy and administrative procedures
Bureaucratic processes and administrative procedures in Poland can be very time-consuming and complicated. Some employees and entrepreneurs may encounter difficulties in dealing with formalities, including visas, permits or business registration. So as we can see, this challenge is unfortunately combined with the previous one, namely the knowledge of the Polish language.
Despite the few challenges, Poland has many advantages and positive aspects that make it an attractive country to live and work in. Political and economic stability, a low cost of living, a developed educational system, an attractive infrastructure, a rich cultural heritage and growing interest from foreign investors attract both native inhabitants and people from other countries. Nevertheless, the final assessment largely depends on individual preferences, needs and expectations. It is therefore advisable to carefully examine various factors and consult with people who already have experience of living as well as working in Poland, so that we can make a fully informed decision.
For this purpose, we can use, for example, the section https://fivetoeurope.com/services-we-offer/, where we will find all the necessary information concerning Polish citizenship.